Self-Help and Support Groups

Addictions/Substance Use Disorder Support Groups

PN-8100.0500

Mutual support groups whose members are individuals who have a substance use disorder or any of a number of behavioral addictions which are akin to substance-related disorders in clinical expression, brain origin, comorbidity, physiology and treatment. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; provide emotional support, information and resources to help those who participate modify their behavior; and may include faith-based and secular 12-step groups as well as non-12 step groups.

Adoption Counseling and Support

Bereavement Support Groups

PN-8100.1000

Mutual support groups whose members are people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; and focus on helping participants accept their loss, express their grief, move through the bereavement process and put their lives back together.

Companionship

PH-1400

Programs that provide friendship and shared activities and/or appropriate role models for individuals who suffer from lack of company, loneliness or social isolation; who need emotional support from a "buddy" to cope with a difficult life situation; who need practice conversing in English; or who lack the companionship and guidance of an adult or figure or peer role model.

Domestic Violence Support Groups

PN-8100.0200-180

Mutual support groups whose members are individuals who have been involved in physical or emotional abuse involving a spouse or other partner. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; provide emotional support, information and resources for those who participate; and may be structured for victims of domestic violence or those responsible for battering them.

Health/Disability Related Support Groups

PN-8100.3000

Mutual support groups whose members are people who have specific disabilities, illnesses or other health conditions, their families and friends. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; and provide an opportunity for participants to share information, resources, practical tips for daily living and encouragement about issues related to the disability or health problem.

Mental Health Related Support Groups

PN-8100.5000

Mutual support groups whose members are people who have specific social, emotional or other mental health problems. Families and friends
may also be welcome. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; and provide an opportunity for participants to share
information, practical tips for daily living and encouragement about issues related to the problem.

Parent Support Groups

PN-8100.6500-650

Mutual support groups for parents who share a common characteristic or circumstance such as being single parents, dual career parents, multiple birth parents, parents with children who are out of control, or parents of children with disabilities, who come together for educational and social purposes as well as for mutual support. Meeting formats may include in-person, telephone or Internet options.

Pregnancy/Childbirth Support Groups

PN-8100.6500-680

Mutual support groups whose members are pregnant women or women who have had difficulties in areas relating to family planning, pregnancy and childbirth. Included are groups for individuals who are pregnant for the first time, women who are contemplating a home birth, breastfeeding women, families making decisions relating to birth control, women who have had a cesarean birth, women who are at high risk for a problem pregnancy and parents of premature or high-risk infants. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; and provide an opportunity for participants to share their experience, strengths and hopes, understand their relationships and work through related emotions.

Support Groups

PN-8100

Autonomous groups of individuals who share a common problem or concern, either directly or through their partners and families, who meet together on a voluntary basis, either in-person, by telephone or via the Internet, to fulfill a need, overcome a disability or cope with a crisis. Members of mutual support groups share their experiences, strengths and hopes and rely on one another for emotional support, information and resources. Included are professionally-facilitated groups, faith-based and secular 12-step models with or without professional participation, groups that use a set of guidelines prepared by a national organization or headquarters, and groups that have no professional participation and/or no specifically-structured format.

Weight Related Support Groups

PN-8100.0500-900

Mutual support groups whose members are individuals who have a problem with compulsive eating, who eat the wrong foods or are people who are overweight and are using the group to develop self-esteem and self-confidence, and accept themselves as they are. Also included are groups that are structured specifically for or accept people who have a diagnosed eating disorder. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; provide emotional support, information and resources for those who participate; offer weight loss or weight gain support only, no special diets; and may include faith-based and secular 12-step groups as well as non-12 step groups.